At Eating Distress North East we believe every individual affected by eating distress deserves specialist support, hope, and the knowledge that recovery is possible.

Why we’re needed

A report in 2025 by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eating Disorders shows a growing number of people affected by eating distress:

• 12% of all 17-19-year olds - and nearly 21% of young women - have an eating disorder, a 2023 mental-health survey suggests.

• Two to three million UK adults of all ages could be affected at some point in their lives - similar to the number of people with diabetes, other research suggests.

• Hospital admissions for eating disorders in England have steadily increased since 2000 and surged since the pandemic, with more than 31,000 admissions in 2023-24

During 2023/24, our counselling service worked with 458 clients – an increase of 13% from the previous financial year.

Our Impact

As the only specialist eating distress charity in the North East of England, we offer counselling, support, information, help, and hope to anyone in the region affected by eating distress, with or without a medical diagnosis.

In the past year, our counselling services have made a significant difference:

• Positive change: 97% of individuals reported experiencing a positive change after completing our counselling sessions.

• Improved wellbeing: 79% noted increased self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

• Better coping mechanisms: 70% felt better equipped to manage their eating distress and navigate life events.

Why your support matters

As a small charity, our work is funded through health funding, grants from charitable trusts and foundations, and donations from the public. Your contributions enable us to:

• Provide specialised one-to-one counselling sessions.

• Run support groups.

• Offer training, so people can spot the signs of eating distress, and help others seek the support they need as early as possible.

Thank you for standing with us.